Edgewood
a.k.a. John Boyd House
Address Unknown, Bunker Hill, WVEdgewood is significant for its architecture and Civil War history. Built in 1839 by General Elisha Boyd for his son John. An old letter that has come down through the Boyd family, which was written by Gen. Elisha Boyd's younger daughter to her married sister in 1839, discusses the completion of the house and that they will soon be moving in. The letter states the house has 4 rooms plus a kitchen and pantry on the first floor. About 20 years later a room 10' long was added to the kitchen.
Edgewood was the manor house to a 1,400-acre plantation that General Boyd amassed on Mill Creek. Brick for the house was made at his own brick plant which he had located on Mill Creek. Edgewood also is significant as a historic site. Near the present house stood the log cabin (so tradition says) of Revolutionary War Major Andrew Waggoner who rode with General George Washington. Wagonner's daughter married Gen. Poyd after Waggoner's death. Boyd bought the interest in Waggoner's plantation and acquired other land to form the plantation.
During the Civil War, (in 1863) General Pettigrew was shat at Falling. Wat ers. He was taken by wagon to Edgewood and died in the upstairs bedroom. A large monument to General Pettigrew was erected along U. S. 11 at the lane entrance to Edgewood. Another important incident that took place at Edgewood during the Civil War: John Boyd, Jr., who was with the South, had come home for a visit. One of the colored slaves who did not like him told the Union troops he was there. The soldiers came to the house in search of John Boyd, Jr. There was a trap door in the front parlor room which still remains today. He was not hiding there but in a big closet upstairs.
He was captured and taken to Winchester, Va.; tried and ordered to be hung. Through the efforts of Mrs. Dandridge, daughter of President Zacharia Taylor, John Boyd's life was saved within minutes of his scheduled execution.
A further significant fact: During the Civil War General Stonewall Jackson camped on the lawn. It is valuable both as a historic Civil War campsite and for Civil War artifacts. Reports have been made that there was a tunnel in the backyard running from the house to the barn. This has not been located. It could be a valuable archeology site.
The house went out of the Boyd family after the Civil War. The next owner kept the house in repair though it went through a couple of negligent owners. The house has been handsomely restored in the past few years by its present owner.
A small log slave cabin west of the house is included. The small log slave cabin is included in the nomination.
Local significance of the building:
Edgewood was the manor house to a 1,400-acre plantation that General Boyd amassed on Mill Creek. Brick for the house was made at his own brick plant which he had located on Mill Creek. Edgewood also is significant as a historic site. Near the present house stood the log cabin (so tradition says) of Revolutionary War Major Andrew Waggoner who rode with General George Washington. Wagonner's daughter married Gen. Poyd after Waggoner's death. Boyd bought the interest in Waggoner's plantation and acquired other land to form the plantation.
During the Civil War, (in 1863) General Pettigrew was shat at Falling. Wat ers. He was taken by wagon to Edgewood and died in the upstairs bedroom. A large monument to General Pettigrew was erected along U. S. 11 at the lane entrance to Edgewood. Another important incident that took place at Edgewood during the Civil War: John Boyd, Jr., who was with the South, had come home for a visit. One of the colored slaves who did not like him told the Union troops he was there. The soldiers came to the house in search of John Boyd, Jr. There was a trap door in the front parlor room which still remains today. He was not hiding there but in a big closet upstairs.
He was captured and taken to Winchester, Va.; tried and ordered to be hung. Through the efforts of Mrs. Dandridge, daughter of President Zacharia Taylor, John Boyd's life was saved within minutes of his scheduled execution.
A further significant fact: During the Civil War General Stonewall Jackson camped on the lawn. It is valuable both as a historic Civil War campsite and for Civil War artifacts. Reports have been made that there was a tunnel in the backyard running from the house to the barn. This has not been located. It could be a valuable archeology site.
The house went out of the Boyd family after the Civil War. The next owner kept the house in repair though it went through a couple of negligent owners. The house has been handsomely restored in the past few years by its present owner.
A small log slave cabin west of the house is included. The small log slave cabin is included in the nomination.
Historic - Non-aboriginal; Military; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The West Virginia State Capitol, located in Charleston, was completed in 1932 and features a gold dome that is taller than the dome of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
About Berkeley County
Berkeley County Timeline
Berkeley County, West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Tuscarora and the Seneca, who used the land for hunting and fishing. In the late 17th century, European settlers started arriving in the region, primarily from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany.
In 1772, Berkeley County was officially established by the Virginia General Assembly and named after Irish philosopher and bishop George Berkeley. The county's location along the Potomac River made it an important transportation route, leading to increased trade and economic growth in the area. During the American Revolutionary War, Berkeley County played a significant role as it provided troops and supplies for the Continental Army.
The early 19th century brought about the expansion of industry and infrastructure in Berkeley County. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the mid-1800s further facilitated trade and development, connecting the county to major markets. The county's economy thrived with the establishment of iron foundries, mills, orchards, and tobacco farming.
Berkeley County experienced various significant events during the Civil War. While the county itself remained under Union control, it saw several small-scale battles and skirmishes. Despite the devastation caused by the war, the county bounced back and witnessed growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and education during the latter part of the 19th century.
Today, Berkeley County continues to be a growing and thriving community. Its proximity to major cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, as well as its picturesque rural landscapes, make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county is home to historical landmarks, such as the Berkeley County Courthouse, which was built in 1854 and still stands as a symbol of the area's past. With a blend of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, Berkeley County remains an important and vibrant part of West Virginia's heritage.
In 1772, Berkeley County was officially established by the Virginia General Assembly and named after Irish philosopher and bishop George Berkeley. The county's location along the Potomac River made it an important transportation route, leading to increased trade and economic growth in the area. During the American Revolutionary War, Berkeley County played a significant role as it provided troops and supplies for the Continental Army.
The early 19th century brought about the expansion of industry and infrastructure in Berkeley County. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the mid-1800s further facilitated trade and development, connecting the county to major markets. The county's economy thrived with the establishment of iron foundries, mills, orchards, and tobacco farming.
Berkeley County experienced various significant events during the Civil War. While the county itself remained under Union control, it saw several small-scale battles and skirmishes. Despite the devastation caused by the war, the county bounced back and witnessed growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and education during the latter part of the 19th century.
Today, Berkeley County continues to be a growing and thriving community. Its proximity to major cities like Washington D.C. and Baltimore, as well as its picturesque rural landscapes, make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county is home to historical landmarks, such as the Berkeley County Courthouse, which was built in 1854 and still stands as a symbol of the area's past. With a blend of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, Berkeley County remains an important and vibrant part of West Virginia's heritage.
Berkeley County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Berkeley County, West Virginia.
- 1745 - Berkeley County, WV was established as the second county in the state of West Virginia.
- Late 1700s - Berkeley County became an important center for commerce and trade due to its location along major transportation routes.
- 1863 - During the American Civil War, Berkeley County was occupied by Union forces.
- 1878 - The Martinsburg Roundhouse, a significant railroad facility, was completed in Berkeley County.
- Late 19th century - Berkeley County experienced industrial and economic growth, with the establishment of glass manufacturing, textile mills, and other industries.
- 20th century - Berkeley County saw continued development and population growth, becoming an important suburban area and commuter hub for nearby metropolitan areas.
- Present - Berkeley County is home to a diverse population and continues to experience growth in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and tourism.